Who is Rashee Rice?
Rashee Rice (born April 22, 2000) is an American football wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL. A native of North Richland Hills, Texas, Rice first gained national attention at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he was a first-team All-AAC selection during his senior year.
He was named “one of the most productive receivers in college football.” Known for his speed, body control, and physical style of play, Rice entered the 2023 NFL Draft as one of the top wide receiver prospects and was selected by the Chiefs in the second round.
What Happened to Rashee Rice?
In March 2024, Rashee Rice was involved in a multi-car crash in Dallas, Texas. Authorities reported that Rice had been driving at a high speed, leading to a chain-reaction collision that injured multiple people. Following the crash, Rice faced felony charges, to which he eventually pleaded guilty as part of a legal settlement.
He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation. While he served his sentence and cooperated with investigators, the NFL launched its own disciplinary review, which would later result in his suspension from league play.
Why Was Rashee Rice Suspended?
The NFL suspended Rashee Rice for six games for violating its personal conduct policy after the 2024 crash. The suspension stemmed from his reckless driving and involvement in the accident that left several people injured.
The league’s decision was officially announced in August 2025, following a settlement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The announcement confirmed that the suspension would take effect at the start of the 2025 season, keeping Rice off the field for the first six games of the year.
When Did Rashee Rice’s Suspension Start?
Rashee Rice’s six-game suspension began with the first game of the 2025 NFL season. This timing ensured that he would miss each of the Chiefs’ first six matchups, as the team played straight through without a bye week.
The suspension, while disciplinary in nature, was also widely seen as a reflection of the league’s continued efforts to enforce accountability and set standards of conduct for players both on and off the field.
When Will Rashee Rice Return From Suspension?
Rashee Rice will be eligible to return in Week 7, when the Kansas City Chiefs face the Las Vegas Raiders in an AFC West clash scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
This Week 7 game marks the first time Rice will be eligible to suit up following the conclusion of his league suspension. His return is expected to provide an immediate boost to the Chiefs’ receiving corps, which has relied on Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton during his absence.
Is Rashee Rice Playing Against the Lions in Week 6?
No. Rashee Rice will not play in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football. He remains on the commissioner’s exempt list, completing the final week of his suspension. His comeback is set for Week 7, officially ending a six-game absence that began with the opening week of the 2025 season.
Rashee Rice’s Stats Before Suspension
Before his suspension, Rashee Rice had already established himself as a key offensive weapon for the Chiefs:
- 2023 (Rookie Season): 79 receptions, 938 yards, 7 touchdowns.
- 2024 (Before Injury): 24 receptions, 288 yards, 2 touchdowns in less than four games.
At 6 feet 1 inches tall (185 cm) and weighing just over 200 pounds (90.7 kg), Rice is known for his ability to make contested catches and gain yards after contact; traits that made him one of Mahomes’ most trusted targets during his debut season.
What’s Next for Rashee Rice and the Chiefs?
With his return set for Week 7, Rashee Rice is expected to gradually work back into the Chiefs’ offensive rhythm. Analysts believe it may take a week for him to reacclimate, but once fully in sync, he is projected to reclaim the WR1 position and add depth to Kansas City’s playoff push.
His comeback arrives at a crucial time for the Chiefs, who will look to reassert dominance in the AFC West and build momentum for the postseason.
